Are Sleeping pills Toxic to Cats?
Yes — sleeping pills are toxic to cats.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
Symptoms to watch for
- Wobbliness
- Lethargy or sedation
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Agitation
Toxic parts
Tablets
Toxic compound
Zolpidem, benzodiazepines
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Sleep aids like zolpidem and benzodiazepines can cause severe sedation or, oddly, extreme agitation in pets.
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Frequently asked questions
Are sleeping pills toxic to cats?
Yes — sleeping pills are toxic to cats. Sleep aids like zolpidem and benzodiazepines can cause severe sedation or, oddly, extreme agitation in pets.
What are the symptoms of sleeping pills poisoning in cats?
Wobbliness. Lethargy or sedation. Vomiting. Dilated pupils. Tremors. Seizures. Agitation.
What should I do if my cat ate sleeping pills?
Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to. Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate. Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
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